A PERSONAL NOTE...

Twenty-one close friends and family from the church we all attend are leaving today for Madagascar, an island country in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Southeast Africa. Their final destination is the Madagascar Street Kids Center, part of the Nazarene Compassionate Ministries network of care points around the world.

Our church travel team will be helping to promote holistic development of children that live on the streets, by offering nutrition, education and lots of TLC. A variety of building projects are lined up, as well as other tasks to expand the blessings of this humanitarian gift of love.

Here's the team at Portland International Airport ready to board!

And this is my nephew John and his son, Hunter.

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Sending our loved ones halfway around the world with all the turmoil and tragedy that is reported on every news broadcast is not taken lightly. Our congregation has been praying weekly, daily, hourly and now, moment by moment.

MARK 16:15 "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."

PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Years ago, my husband and I went on a similar journey to Guyana in South America. Jim led a group of men who built a church from the foundation up. The women and I took day trips out into the countryside holding fun and inspirational events for children. On the final Sunday morning, we had the first service in the brand new little church. It was packed with people, and hundreds were also outside hoping to get a glimpse of what was going on inside. As I reflect back to our Guyana experience, I can only imagine how incredible this trip will be for the Madagascar team... Life-changing!!

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Linda Aarhus, Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, Vancouver, WA

 

Comments

[Sue O.]

What a wonderful thing for your church group to do. I will keep them in prayer until their work is done and their safe return.

[diane oliver]

Linda, This is a beautiful card and could used for several different occassions. I will keep this in my "I want to CASE" file. Hugs:
PS: what a wonderful humanitarian thing your group is doing for the children... I will keep them in my prayers for their safe return.